Accrington Stanley are on course for record season ticket sales this year.

And chairman Eric Whalley believes the side's well publicised FA Cup run, which ended with a third round replay at Colchester United, has been instrumental in the heightened interest surrounding the club.

More than 200 people have taken advantage of the reduced season ticket price offer, which has been extended by a fortnight due to demand. And that figure is well in excess of the number of season tickets purchased this time last year.

The club is now preparing to smash through the record sales barrier of the 400-plus that were bought ahead of the big kick-off last year.

"We've been really surprised by the response because it's not usually until July that we start to get busy with season ticket sales," said Whalley.

"Obviously people are interested by the signing of four ex-Football League players and people realise we are making plans for next season.

"But I think the cup run last season has had something to do with that as well. It seems to have awoken the town into realising that Accrington Stanley is still alive and is hopefully going places."

He added: "It's great that so many people are showing their support for us, we want as many people as possible to be involved this season.

"Going full time and the signing of several quality players should make it a very exciting year."

The potential season ticket sales record is a huge boost to Whalley as he prepares the club for full-time football.

Four signings have already been made, with ex-Blackburn Rovers Academy defender Stuart Howson, former Rochdale duo Lee McEvilly and Matt Doughty and ex-Shrewsbury and Sheffield United midfielder Steve Jagielka joining the Reds.

Deals with two more players are in the pipeline, and the money generated from season ticket sales could pave the way for even more new faces.

"Last week I got 156 names off agents for players looking for new clubs," said Whalley, who is hoping their bid to sign Altrincham midfielder Ian Craney will be finalised in the not too distant future.

And the Stanley chairman also highlighted how important cash from season ticket sales was in the light of Telford United going into liquidation.

"That's a lesson to us and everyone in the Conference," Whalley said.

"They paid a lot of money to players and haven't coped with the demands of trying to progress.

"That's not something I would do. You've got to be sensible about it because there's no other way at this level unless someone's going to pump millions of pounds into a club.

"I don't think football's anything that anyone can make money out of as a business investment. For anyone who gets involved in football financially I think it's got to be a personal interest to them or a hobby."

Telford have reformed as a new club but no longer have a place in the Conference. Neither have Margate, who have been relegated to the Conference South because of their continued groundshare with Dover.

Therefore, Northwich Victoria and Leigh RMI have been handed a reprieve and retain their Nationwide Conference status.

Meanwhile, former Stanley midfielder Dean Calcutt has agreed a two-year deal with Conference North outfit Stalybridge Celtic.

The 28-year-old parted company with the Reds after failing to sign a full-time contract.

IF purchased before June 11, season ticket prices are as follows: Adults £170 (normal price £180; Under 17/ senior citizens/ students £90 (normal price £100); Under 12 £25 (normal price £30).

Season ticket holders are entitled to entry into all 21 first team Nationwide Conference matches and all reserve and youth team matches for the 2004/05 season.